Public health finds high levels of cancer-causing radon gas in more Hamilton homes
A new public health survey found high levels of cancer-causing radon gas in 14 per cent of homes tested in Hamilton - a rate three times greater than the provincial average.
The Household Radon Survey revealed 42 of 294 homes tested across the city this year and last showed basement levels of the gas greater than Health Canada's safety guideline.
By comparison, past Health Canada surveys estimated high levels of radon - a naturally occurring radioactive gas that you cannot see or smell - in about 4.6 per cent of Ontario homes and five per cent in Hamilton.
The latest findings are spurring extra radon intervention" measures by the city that include testing and construction requirements for new home builders as well as ramped up public health efforts to convince existing homeowners to test for the so-called hidden killer."
Testing is easy and so important," said Health Canada radon outreach head Kelley Bush, because the gas is the number 1 cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. She urged anyone with questions on how to test for radon to visit takeactiononradon.ca.
It really is a significant health risk ... but it is challenging to get anyone to pay attention," she said, noting more people die from radon-linked cancer than from all accidental deaths combined. So many people use smoke alarms, wear life jackets and seatbelts ... Why not test for radon?"
Bush said it is not surprising" to see more problem homes in updated community surveys because past countrywide Health Canada studies tested a relatively small number of houses in each city.
And it could be worse: dangerous radon levels have been found in up to a quarter of homes tested in some Manitoba and New Brunswick communities.
It's not yet clear if Hamilton's latest survey found more radon problems in particular areas of the city. Public health officials declined an interview request because councillors have not yet discussed a radon report going to Monday's board of health meeting.
But that report says the city will ramp up its Radon Awareness Program, including public outreach and advertising.
Kyle Nelson decided to test his Ancaster home after seeing a city radon ad at a bus stop two years ago.
My father had just died of lung cancer, and we had a baby on the way ... so it was on my mind," he said. It turns out our levels were quite high. I did some research and realized we had to do something about it."
The levels in his partly finished basement were nearly double the Health Canada safety threshold of 200 becquerels per cubic metre, a unit measurement of radioactivity. Online, he saw the World Health Organization recommends an indoor threshold at 100 Bq/m3.
Nelson said he was shocked to learn long-term exposure to high radon levels gives a person an estimated one in 20 chance of developing lung cancer - or one in three, if you are already a smoker. The new dad quickly found a contractor and paid $1,800 to install a system to vent gas under his basement floor to the outdoors.
He also advocates to his neighbours. I tell everyone I can. I don't know why you wouldn't test, once you realize the risk," Nelson said. But I think a lot of people don't (realize)."
As of Tuesday, the city will also require all new homes constructed in Hamilton to have built-in radon venting potential or a gasproof membrane under concrete basement floors. In some cases, testing will also be required, said chief building official Ed VanderWindt.
Matthew Van Dongen is a Hamilton-based reporter covering transportation for The Spectator. Reach him via email: mvandongen@thespec.com
Radon gas: what you should know
What is it? Radon is a colourless, odourless gas created by uranium decaying in the ground.
How does it get into my house? Radon can be drawn into your basement via floor or foundation cracks and gaps around pipes.
Why should I care? Radon particles can damage your lungs - and the gas is linked to 16 per cent of all lung cancer deaths in Canada. The health risk rises according to the amount of radon in your living space, the length of exposure and whether you smoke.
What can I do? Health experts urge all homeowners to test for radon. There are various tests available, but Health Canada recommends a three-month test that is sent for lab analysis. A typical test kit is around $30. You can find a supplier or order online at takeactiononradon.ca
How do I deal with high radon levels? Health Canada recommends taking action to lower radon gas exposure if tests show levels of 200 Bq/m3 or higher in your home. It suggests hiring a contractor certified under the Canadian National Radon Proficiency Program. You can call 1-855-722-6777.